Santa Fe, New Mexico: natural disaster risk
How exposed Santa Fe is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Santa Fe County.
Santa Fe is a city of 89,019 people in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Santa Fe County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, wildfire and earthquake, with about $48.9 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 344 storm reports in the county since 1956, including 27 tornadoes and 98 floods. About 0.6% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Santa Fe County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Santa Fe
Full Santa Fe County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Clear dry plants and debris within 5 feet of the house.
- Get home insurance quotes early; availability varies by area.
- Ask whether an older house is bolted to its foundation.
- Consider separate earthquake insurance where risk is high.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $27M | |
| Wildfire | $13M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Lightning | $1M | |
| Drought | $1M | |
| Cold wave | $734K | |
| Winter weather | $500K | |
| Hail | $415K | |
| Heat wave | $355K | |
| Tornado | $288K | |
| Strong wind | $203K | |
| Ice storm | $12K |
Homes in Santa Fe
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Santa Fe County
Other cities in New Mexico
All ›Common questions about Santa Fe
Is Santa Fe safe from natural disasters?
Santa Fe is in Santa Fe County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, wildfire, earthquake. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Santa Fe?
By expected yearly losses in Santa Fe County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Moderate), wildfire (High), earthquake (Low). Santa Fe County has been part of 8 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Santa Fe get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 27 tornadoes in Santa Fe County since 1950; the strongest was an F1 tornado on December 26, 1966. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county very low.
Do I need flood insurance in Santa Fe?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Santa Fe County, about 0.6% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk moderate. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.